Settling In

It has now been nearly two weeks since I arrived in Baghdad.  Those of us who went through training together and have ended up together in the International Zone (IZ), formerly known as the Green Zone, are figuring out where everything is, who everyone is, and what we're supposed to be doing.

I've enjoyed meeting the folks here - military, Defense Department civilians, contractors, State Department civilians and security personnel.  I'm amazed at the number of people who are here and live in the DC area.  I'm also amazed at the number of Navy personnel that are serving.

In the coming months, many people will get to go home and see their families while their replacements begin their tours. You can definitely tell those who are getting ready to depart - their is lilt in their step and a smile on their face.  But I've not met anyone who has regretted their time here.

One thing I'm having to get used to is, in Iraq, Thursday and Friday make up the weekend.  And the Embassy staff takes off on those days as well.  For the military, there is no weekend.  You work everyday for a minimum of 12 hours, but you try to take a little time here and there to take care of personal things like washing clothes and getting your hair cut.  You take an hour or so everyday to work out, too.

Establishing a routine is something I am trying to get nailed down, but everyday is just a little different.  But the variety helps make the day go by a little quicker.  And that means it feels like I'm getting a little closer to home.